Mandatory health insurance in Switzerland (LAMal)

Mandatory health insurance in Switzerland is governed by the Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal). Everyone living in Switzerland must take out insurance with a recognised insurer within three months of arriving or being born. This system guarantees access to basic healthcare for the whole population, regardless of health or income.

Health insurance premiums vary considerably depending on the canton and premium region, the insurer you choose, the insurance model and the deductible (franchise) you select. For example, they are among the lowest in Appenzell Innerrhoden and among the highest in Geneva and Basel-Stadt. The Confederation's official comparison tool (priminfo.admin.ch) lets you compare premiums in your region. Your choice of deductible (from CHF 300 to CHF 2'500 for adults) directly affects the amount of your premium: a higher deductible lowers the monthly premium.

To switch insurer on 1 January, your termination letter must reach your current insurer no later than the last working day of November. Insurers must announce the new premiums by the end of October at the latest; even if your premium goes up, this deadline is not extended. A switch on 30 June is only possible if you have the standard deductible (CHF 300 for adults) in the standard model with free choice of doctor: in that case, your termination must reach the insurer no later than the last working day of March. The switch only takes effect once the new insurer has confirmed your membership to the old one.

Cantonal premium reductions (subsidies, known as réduction individuelle de prime, RIP) help people on modest incomes pay their premiums. The eligibility conditions and amounts vary widely from one canton to another. In some cantons, your entitlement is checked automatically on the basis of your tax data, while in others you must apply to the relevant cantonal office, often within a specific deadline.

If you have a dispute with your insurer (refusal to cover costs, a contested bill), you can contact the Health Insurance Ombudsman, a free and neutral service. You can also ask the insurer for a written decision, against which you can lodge an objection within 30 days. The decision on the objection can then be appealed before the cantonal insurance court, also within 30 days.

SwissDoc helps you write your insurance letters: termination on time, claim notification or notice of change of address. Your first three documents are free, no credit card required.